The rising sap of a sunny May must be a particularly fertile force, or perhaps the long days fuelled the creative juices. Or more likely the looming deadline, as always did the job, and an astonishing 2,000 submissions arrived - far more than our most optimistic projection.
I've not seen any of them yet. That is the gargantuan task for the independent artist panels from all over the UK who will consider them all and make tough decisions over the next few months. I'm reassured by those who've tracked the submissions as they arrive, that there's quality in equal measure to quantity. Major cultural figures, big institutions, cutting edge agencies and household names are all there. Every art form features - sculpture and visual arts of course, but also music, dance, film, street art and much more.
We can't offer a running commentary as the judging progresses over the next few months - judging by artists, largely the peers of those who are seeking commissions. However, I'm hopeful that later this year we'll hear about world-class new work which will come to fruition all over the UK over the next three years.
To the thousands of creative people who were inspired by London 2012, we offer thanks for your ideas. Whether or not you win these commissions I hope you continue to draw on the essence of the 2012 Games to make great work.
And to those last few hundred of you whose submissions arrived in the final minutes of the final hour of the very last day...I like your style!
